1. The California Gold Rush Chapter 11, Section 4

2. The California Gold Rush On January 24, 1848 gold was discovered in the American River (Northern California) by James Marshall at Sutter’s Mill (2/2/48) On January 24, 1848 gold was discovered in the American River (Northern California) by James Marshall at Sutter’s Mill (2/2/48) Sutter tried to keep the news secret but it was impossible Sutter tried to keep the news secret but it was impossible News spread to the east and tens of thousands flocked to California to “strike it rich” News spread to the east and tens of thousands flocked to California to “strike it rich”

4. The Gold Rush People came from around the world but most were Americans from the east. People came from around the world but most were Americans from the east. Some came by sea but most came overland on the Oregon-California Trail and others on the Santa Fe Trail. Some came by sea but most came overland on the Oregon-California Trail and others on the Santa Fe Trail. These people are known as “49ers” These people are known as “49ers” Some struck it rich but most did not. Merchants were the real winners in the CGR Some struck it rich but most did not. Merchants were the real winners in the CGR

5. Gold Rush Society As people rushed to new gold strikes, they built new communities called boomtowns that seem to spring up overnight. As people rushed to new gold strikes, they built new communities called boomtowns that seem to spring up overnight. In most circumstances, they were deserted just as quickly making the “ghost towns” when the surface gold “played out” In most circumstances, they were deserted just as quickly making the “ghost towns” when the surface gold “played out” Cities like San Francisco also flourished during the gold rush. Cities like San Francisco also flourished during the gold rush.

6. Gold Rush People already living in California were the first to the gold fields. People already living in California were the first to the gold fields. Early arrivers could earn as much in 6 months as they could in 6 years back east. Early arrivers could earn as much in 6 months as they could in 6 years back east. By 1850, most of the easily accessible gold had been collected. By 1850, most of the easily accessible gold had been collected. Prejudice toward foreigners (24K Chinese, Europe, Mexico, S. America)- foreign miners tax of $20/month Prejudice toward foreigners (24K Chinese, Europe, Mexico, S. America)- foreign miners tax of $20/month

10. Gold Rush Society Very few “respectable” women lived in mining camps. Very few “respectable” women lived in mining camps. Lonely and suffering from the hardships of mining, many men spent their free hours drinking, gambling and fighting. Lonely and suffering from the hardships of mining, many men spent their free hours drinking, gambling and fighting. There was usually no police or prisons and in many cases vigilantes took the law into their own hands by being police, judge, jury, and sometimes, executioner. There was usually no police or prisons and in many cases vigilantes took the law into their own hands by being police, judge, jury, and sometimes, executioner.

11. Effects of the California Gold Rush Although the “rush” lasted only a few years it had lasting effects on California’s economy Although the “rush” lasted only a few years it had lasting effects on California’s economy Agriculture, shipping and trade expanded Agriculture, shipping and trade expanded Negatives- Native Americans, environment, foreigners Negatives- Native Americans, environment, foreigners California’s population soared (20,000 to 220,000 in first four years of GR) California’s population soared (20,000 to 220,000 in first four years of GR) Led to California’s statehood in 1850 (#31after a compromise was developed over slavery) Led to California’s statehood in 1850 (#31after a compromise was developed over slavery)